As geopolitical tensions rise in Northern Europe, the US has approved the sale of munitions systems to Nordic countries Denmark and Finland.

These deals, totalling an estimated $191m combined, are expected to enhance the precision strike capabilities of both nations, reflecting a broader pivot to fortify the alliance’s northern flank.

Under a $121m agreement, the Danish government will receive 339 M982A1 Excalibur projectiles. The Excalibur is a GPS-guided, extended-range artillery shell capable of reaching distances exceeding 50km. This acquisition will upgrade Denmark’s artillery capabilities, and the package includes support systems like Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems and Improved Platform Integration Kits.

Simultaneously, Finland is set to receive 5,500 M1156A1 Precision Guidance Kits (PGKs) valued at $70m. These kits, which convert standard artillery shells into precision-guided munitions, are expected to enhance the effectiveness of Finland's artillery units. This sale builds on an earlier, smaller transaction and reflects an ongoing US commitment to upgrading Nordic military capabilities with the M1156 PGKs.

As Finland adapts to its new role as a full Nato member, these PGKs will boost its mid-range firepower, ensuring better interoperability with US and Allied forces in joint operations.

Finland and its fellow Nordic countries – Sweden, Norway, Denmark and sometimes Iceland – have a closely shared cultural and political history, and this manifests itself in extensive cooperation on security matters today, GlobalData’s intelligence on the Finnish defence market

The principal contractors, RTX Corporation and Northrop Grumman, will spearhead the development and integration of these systems.